Cryptomeria tree named ‘CJMTFZ’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct Cryptomeria japonica tree named ‘CJMTFZ’ is disclosed, characterized by small foliage having a thick foliar cuticle. Trees are observed to tolerate both heat and drought. The interior of the trees does not suffer from browning of the foliage, resulting in a denser, more attractive tree. A fast growth rate has been observed. The new variety is a Cryptomeria tree, typically used for landscapes and gardens.

Latin name of the genus and species: Cryptomeria japonica.

Variety denomination: ‘CJMTFZ’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The new cultivar is a product of chance discovery. The new variety wasdiscovered growing as a whole plant mutation growing in a field ofunpatented Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’ trees at a tree farm inWashington, Ga. The inventor made this discovery in 2015.

Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ was first performedduring winter of 2016 at a farm in Washington, Ga. The process involvedtaking cuttings in March, placed under intermittent mist system withheat for 2 months. They are then moved into 3″×6″ tree band pots andplaced in greenhouses for approximately four weeks. Furthermore, theseobservations have confirmed that the new variety represents a new andimproved variety of Cryptomeria japonica tree as particularly evidencedby the fastigiate growth habit. These genetic traits can be consistentlyreproduced by asexual propagation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ has not been observed under all possibleenvironmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat withvariations in environment such as temperature, day length, and lightintensity, without, however, any variance in genotype. The followingtraits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the uniquecharacteristics of ‘CJMTFZ’ grown in Washington, Ga. Thesecharacteristics in combination distinguish ‘CJMTFZ’ as a new anddistinct Cryptomeria japonica cultivar:

-   -   1. Thick foliar cuticle.    -   2. Small foliage.    -   3. Heat and drought tolerance.    -   4. Dense form due to no interior browning of needles.    -   5. Holds up well to insect and disease pressure.    -   6. Fast growth rate.

PARENT COMPARISON

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of the parentCryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’ in most horticultural characteristics,however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ in the following:

-   -   1. The new variety has smaller foliage than ‘Yoshino’.    -   2. The new variety has better heat and drought tolerance than        ‘Yoshino’.    -   3. The new variety has a denser habit because of no interior        browning of needles as found with ‘Yoshino’.    -   4. The new variety has holds up better to insects and disease        than ‘Yoshino’.

COMMERCIAL COMPARISON

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Atawhai’, unpatented, in most horticultural characteristics,however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ in the following:

-   -   1. The new variety grows in a dense, narrow pyramidal shape,        this comparator, grows in a loose, pyramidal shape.    -   2. Foliage of the new variety is lighter green and arranged in a        more regular pattern than this comparator.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Barabit's Gold’, unpatented, in most horticulturalcharacteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ inthe following:

-   -   1. The new variety has Medium yellow-green new growth; this        comparator has creamy yellow new growth.    -   2. The new variety grows faster than this comparator.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Ben Franklin’, unpatented, in most horticulturalcharacteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ inthe following:

-   -   1. The new variety has medium green needles; this comparator has        dark green needles.    -   2. The new variety has a denser plant form than ‘Benjamin        Franklin’.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Black Dragon’, unpatented, in most horticulturalcharacteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ inthe following:

-   -   1. The new variety is not as compact in form as this comparator.    -   2. The new variety has medium green needles; this comparator has        very dark green needles.    -   3. The new variety has a dense narrow pyramidal form, this        comparator has a broad, irregular pyramidal form.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Chapel View’, unpatented, in most horticulturalcharacteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ inthe following:

-   -   1. The new variety has medium green colored needles; this        comparator has blue-green needles.    -   2. Trees of ‘Chapel Hill’ are dwarf, trees of ‘CJMTFZ’ are not        dwarf.    -   3. The new variety has a narrow pyramidal form; ‘Chapel Hill’        has a rounded form.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Compacta’, unpatented, in most horticultural characteristics,however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ in the following:

-   -   1. The new variety is not as compact as this comparator which        grows into a narrow conical tree to 45″ high.    -   2. The new variety has medium green needles; this comparator has        bluish-green needles.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Compressa’, unpatented, in most horticultural characteristics,however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ in the following:

-   -   1. The new variety has a narrow pyramidal shape; this comparator        is barrel shaped, with a bluntly rounded top.    -   2. The new variety has medium green needles; this comparator has        dark green needles.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Cristata’, unpatented, in most horticultural characteristics,however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ in the following:

-   -   1. The new variety has upright, fan-shaped foliar branches, this        comparator has fasciated, cockscombs-like tufts of foliage        irregularly interspersed throughout the plant.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Rein's Dense Jade’, unpatented, in most horticulturalcharacteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ inthe following:

-   -   1. The new variety is observed to be taller and more vigorous        than ‘Rein's Dense Jade’. The inventor has observed ‘Rein's        Dense Jade’ to reach approximately 10 feet in 10 years; expected        height of ‘CJMTFZ’ is approximately 40 feet in 10 years. The        American Conifer Society notes the mature height of ‘Rein's        Dense Jade’ is approximately 8 to 10 feet after 10 years.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Elegans’, unpatented, in most horticultural characteristics,however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ in the following:

-   -   1. Foliage of the new variety is denser than foliage of this        comparator.    -   2. Winter foliage color of the new variety is green; foliage        turns brownish red in Winter.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Elegans Aurea’, unpatented, in most horticulturalcharacteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ inthe following:

-   -   1. Summer and Winter foliage color of the new variety is green,        foliage of this comparator is yellow-green in Summer, turning        green in Winter.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Elegans Nana’, unpatented, in most horticulturalcharacteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ inthe following:

-   -   1. Trees of ‘Elegans Nana’ are Flattened, globose, compact, and        slow-growing; trees of ‘CJMTFZ’ grow rapidly and have a narrow        pyramidal form.    -   3. Needles of ‘Elegans Nana’ are bluish-green, becoming        purplish-tinged in winter; foliage of ‘CJMTFZ’ maintains a green        color in the winter.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Giokumo’, unpatented, in most horticultural characteristics,however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ in the following:

-   -   1. Trees of ‘Giokumo’ are dwarf and reach a mature height around        8 to 10 feet, whereas trees of the new variety are expected to        reach a mature height between 40 and 60 feet.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Radicans’, unpatented, in most horticultural characteristics,however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ in the following:

-   -   1. The new variety does not have the dead, browning needles in        the interior as significantly found in this comparator.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Green Grizzly’, unpatented, in most horticulturalcharacteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ inthe following:

-   -   1. The new variety forms a much denser plant than this        comparator.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Gyokuryu’, unpatented, in most horticultural characteristics,however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ in the following:

-   -   1. The new variety has a much narrower plant form than this        comparator.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Jindai’, unpatented, in most horticultural characteristics,however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ in the following:

-   -   1. The new variety has a much narrower plant form than this        comparator.    -   2. The new variety grows more rapidly than this comparator.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Kilmacurragh’, unpatented, in most horticulturalcharacteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ inthe following:

-   -   1. The new variety is a tall, narrow pyramidal tree with        fan-shaped foliar branches, this comparator is a low-growing        form with small foliage fasciations.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Knaptonensis’, unpatented, in most horticulturalcharacteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ inthe following:

-   -   1. New growth of the new variety is yellow-green; new growth of        this comparator is creamy white.

Plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ are similar to plants of Cryptomeriajaponica ‘Lobbii’, unpatented, in most horticultural characteristics,however, plants of the new cultivar ‘CJMTFZ’ differ in the following:

-   -   1. Plant form of the new variety is narrow pyramical; plant form        of this comparator is a broader, irregular pyramid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates a typical tree of thenew variety at about 3 years of age.

FIG. 2 illustrates the density of the growth.

FIG. 3 illustrates a closer view of the interior of the tree.

All trees illustrated are field grown in Washington, Ga. Trees areapproximately 3 years from planting into the field. The photographs weretaken using conventional techniques and although colors may appeardifferent from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurateas possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart 2007 except where general terms ofordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observationsand measurements describe ‘CJMTFZ’ plants grown outdoors and in anursery in Washington, Ga. Plants are approximately 3 years old, plantedin the ground. Temperatures ranged from about 2° C. to 10° C. at nightto 18° C. to 39° C. during the day. Measurements and numerical valuesrepresent averages of typical plant types.

-   Botanical classification: Cryptomeria japonica ‘CJMTFZ’.

PROPAGATION

-   Cuttings taken in early Spring are placed under mist at    approximately 25° C. for approximately 2 months. These cuttings are    then removed from mist and greenhouse grown for another    approximately 4 weeks before moving outside.-   Root description: Woody. Brown roots not accurately measured with an    R.H.S. Colour chart.

TREE

-   Growth habit: Evergreen narrow pyramidal tree.-   Height: Approximately 12 feet at 3 years.-   Spread: Approximately 5 feet at 3 years.-   Aspect and angle: Branches at acute angles, 45 degrees or less.-   Growth rate: Rapid.-   Branching habit: Occurring from center, upswept, acute.-   Length of lateral branches: 30 cm to 60 cm.-   Average number of lateral branches: 70-100.-   Diameter of lateral branches: 3 cm.-   Lateral branch color: Near RHS Greyed-Orange 176D flushed Brown    N200D with scales near Brown N200C and N200D.-   Lateral branch strength: Very strong.-   Internode length: Average range 10 cm to 15 cm.-   Trunk characteristics:    -   -   Diameter.—About 3 inches measured at approximately 3 inches            above soil level at 3 years.        -   Color.—Near RHS Greyed-Orange 176D flushed Brown N200D with            large scales near Brown N200C and N200D.        -   Surface texture.—Large scaly bark.

FOLIAGE

-   Leaf:    -   -   Arrangement.—Spiral.        -   Shape.—Awl-shaped.        -   Average length.—Approximately 3 to 5 mm.        -   Average width.—Approximately 2 to 3 mm.        -   Apex.—Acute.        -   Base.—Truncate.        -   Margin.—Entire.        -   Texture of top surface.—Glabrous.        -   Texture of bottom surface.—Glabrous.        -   Color.—Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 144B            flushed Yellow-Green N144B. Young foliage under side: Near            RHS Yellow-Green 144B flushed Yellow-Green N144B. Mature            foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 137C. Mature foliage            under side: Near RHS Green 137C. Winter foliage upper side:            Near RHS Green 137C. Winter foliage under side: Near RHS            Green 137C.        -   Venation.—Indistinguishable from leaf blade.        -   Fragrance.—Cedarlike.

FLOWER

-   Flowering and cone production not observed.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

-   Not observed.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

-   Disease/pest resistance: Resistance to normal diseases and pests of    Cryptomeria has been observed. Additionally, due to the dark green    foliage, the new variety exhibits resistance to mites. Resistance to    leaf blight and leaf spot which causes branches to die back has been    observed.-   Drought tolerance: Some drought observed. Cryptomeria japonica can    be moderately drought tolerance once established.-   Temperature tolerance: Observed growing at temperatures between    10° F. to 102° F.-   Fruits/nuts: Not observed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Cryptomeriajaponica tree named ‘CJMTFZ’ as herein illustrated and described.